Thanks to hounds (especially for Tocqueville comments)

Just wanted to say thanks to folks who participate in the forums, and in particular those who’ve posted comments about Tocqueville.I’d been looking for a place for my birthday, read a lot of different threads and decided on Tocqueville (despite, as some have pointed out, virtual silence about it on other sites). The reports I read here were pretty compelling. The photos were fabulous. The enthusiasm was encouraging.Went last night and had a great time. The uni pasta appetizer was the best thing I’ve ever eaten. It would be my last meal request. Other items were very good, though not necessarily swoon-worthy over any of the city’s other great restaurants. I’ll be going back for the uni and together w/ all other elements – good drinks/wine, gracious services, lovely and intimate dining room – we had an excellent meal and thought it was a really good value. I really appreciate these forums and all the helpful comments folks are constantly providing. Thanks!

I had an excellent dinner at Tocqueville last week. Food, service and decor were wonderful! We had an early reservation, and were the first guests in the dining room. We were seated at a lovely corner banquette. Our captain, TJ, was wonderful: attentive and friendly. I had thought I had planned my dinner: 2 apps: uni pasta and the egg with grits, main: scallops and foie gras, and dessert: souffle, but when we heard the specials, my planned meal was changed to include the specials. I ordered the uni pasta that was delicious as I have read from others on this board. I didn't find this too rich; I thought it was perfect! My second app was the special of seared foie gras with pear and blueberries; this was so good that I asked TJ to ask the chef to add this to the regular menu. Our main dish was changed to the special of cote de boeuf. Our waiter brought the uncarved beef to the table before returning it to the kitchen for plating. The beef was excellent: perfect med/rare, flavorful and tender. The beef was served with pommes Anna and vegetables. The bone was brought to the table, and though we were too full to enjoy it, I took it home. I still had a bit of room for the chocolate souffle, and even though my sister declined any dessert, TJ brought her the cheesecake dessert as a gift. The chocolate souffle started off great--beautiful texture and great flavor, but about 2/3 in, the souffle had been overbaked since the texture had turned into a chocolate cupcake. I still enjoyed most of the souffle anyway. Nice assortment of breads; I loved the brioche. Mignardises were very good too. The big thing that will bring me back to Tocqueville was the welcoming service from all of the staff.